Breaking News! The State Bank of India has officially released its much-awaited SBI CBO Exam notification for 2,964 Circle Based Officer (CBO) vacancies for the fiscal year 2025-26. With the application window open from May 9 to May 29, 2025, this recruitment drive represents one of the largest banking opportunities of the year. For graduates with banking experience looking to secure a stable career with India’s premier banking institution, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for! 💼🏦
The SBI CBO position offers an impressive starting salary of ₹48,480 plus benefits, making it one of the most lucrative banking roles available. With positions distributed across various states and specific language requirements, candidates nationwide have the chance to work close to home while building a rewarding career. This comprehensive guide will cover everything candidates need to know about the SBI CBO 2025 recruitment—from eligibility criteria and application procedures to the selection process, career progression opportunities, and benefits that make this role outstanding.
1. SBI CBO Notification 2025 Overview
A. Total Vacancies: 2,964 positions (2,600 regular + 364 backlog)
The State Bank of India has announced a substantial recruitment drive for Circle-Based Officers in 2025, offering a total of 2,964 positions. This includes 2,600 regular vacancies distributed across categories (387- SC, 190-ST, 697-OBC, 260-EWS, and 1,066-General) and 364 backlog vacancies. The recruitment spans multiple SBI circles, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and others.
B. Application Timeline: May 9 to May 29, 2025
C. Circle-wise Vacancy Distribution
D. Basic Pay Structure: ₹48,480
Candidates can apply online from May 9 to May 29, 2025, with the examination tentatively scheduled for July 2025. The application fee is ₹750 for General, OBC, and EWS categories, while SC, ST, and Pwbd candidates are exempt. Selected candidates will receive a basic salary of ₹48,480 plus additional benefits, including Dearness Allowance and House Rent Allowance. With this overview in mind, next we’ll examine the eligibility criteria for SBI CBO 2025.
2. Eligibility Criteria for SBI CBO 2025
A. Educational Qualifications: A Graduation degree is required
Candidates applying for SBI CBO 2025 must possess a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification. This fundamental educational requirement ensures that applicants have the necessary academic background for this banking position. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) Exam Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025, based on the information provided on the official CareerPower portal
B. Work Experience: Minimum 2 years in banking roles
A minimum of two years of experience as an officer in any Scheduled Commercial Bank or Regional Rural Bank is mandatory for all applicants. This experience requirement helps SBI select candidates with practical knowledge of banking operations and procedures.
C. Age Limit: 21-30 years (as of April 30, 2025)
The age bracket for eligible candidates is 21-30 years as calculated on April 30, 2025. Candidates must verify their age eligibility before applying to ensure their application isn’t rejected during the screening process.
D. Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories
SBI offers significant age relaxations for candidates from reserved categories: 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC (Non-creamy layer), and up to 15 years for PWD applicants. These relaxations aim to provide equal opportunities across all sections of society.
Now that we’ve covered the essential eligibility requirements for SBI CBO 2025, let’s explore the application process details that candidates need to follow to successfully submit their applications.
3. Application Process Details
Now that candidates understand the eligibility criteria for SBI CBO 2025, they need to focus on the application process. The application window opens from May 9, 2025, and closes on May 29, 2025, with the exam tentatively scheduled for July 2025.
A. Application Fee: ₹750 for General Candidates (Fee waiver for SC/ST/PWD)
The application fee for General, EWS, and OBC categories is ₹750. SC, ST, and Pwbd candidates are exempted from paying any application fee, making the opportunity more accessible to these groups.
B. How to Apply Online
Candidates must apply through the official SBI website. The application requires candidates to upload documents in specific file formats and sizes. Applicants can only apply for one vacancy circle and should carefully review all information before submission.
C. Important Dates to Remember
The key dates for SBI CBO 2025 recruitment include:
- Application Start Date: May 9, 2025
- Application End Date: May 29, 2025
- Tentative Examination Date: July 2025
- Admit Card Release: Approximately one week before the exam
D. Language Requirements by Circle
Proficiency in the local language of the selected circle is mandatory. Candidates must demonstrate competency in the relevant local language through the Language Proficiency Test (LPT). Exemptions are available for those who can present appropriate educational certificates proving language proficiency.
With the application process completed properly, candidates will move forward to the selection process, which includes multiple stages designed to assess their banking knowledge and aptitude.
4. Selection Process Explained
The SBI CBO 2025 recruitment process involves the following stages:
1. Online Examination (Objective + Descriptive): Candidates will first undergo an online test consisting of both objective and descriptive components.
2. Screening: Post the online examination, candidates’ applications and documents will be reviewed by a screening committee to verify eligibility and experience.
3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview to assess their suitability for the role.
4. Local Language Proficiency Test: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the local language of the circle they are applying to.
a. Online Examination Structure (Objective + Descriptive)
Objective Test:
- Total Questions: 120
- Total Marks: 120
- Duration: 2 hours
Sections:
- English Language: 30 questions, 30 marks, 30 minutes
- Banking Knowledge: 40 questions, 40 marks, 40 minutes
- General Awareness/Economy: 30 questions, 30 marks, 30 minutes
- Computer Aptitude: 20 questions, 20 marks, 20 minutes
Note: There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the objective test.
Descriptive Test:
- Total Questions: 2 (Letter Writing & Essay)
- Total Marks: 50
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Mode: Candidates must type their answers on the computer.
b. Interview Round Weightage
The interview carries a total of 50 marks. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks, as decided by the Bank, to be considered for final selection. The interview assesses the candidate’s suitability for the role based on various parameters.
c. Final Merit List Preparation
The final merit list is prepared by combining the normalised scores of the online written test and the interview in a 75:25 ratio. Specifically:
- Online Written Test: Scores out of 170 are normalised to 75 marks.
- Interview: Scores out of 50 are normalised to 25 marks.
The combined score out of 100 determines the candidate’s position in the merit list. In cases where multiple candidates have the same score, the older candidate (by age) is given preference.
d. Tentative Exam Date: July 2025
The online examination for the SBI CBO 2025 recruitment is tentatively scheduled for July 2025. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official SBI website for updates regarding the exact exam date and the release of admit cards.
5. Career Path and Benefits
Career Path and Benefits
a. Six-Month Probation Period Details
Upon selection, candidates are appointed as Circle Based Officers (CBOS) in the Junior Management Grade Scale-I (JMGS-I). They undergo a probation period of 6 months, during which their performance is continuously assessed. Successful completion of this period leads to confirmation in the JMGS-I cadre.
b. Transfer Policies and Restrictions
SBI CBOS are subject to specific transfer policies to ensure stability and familiarity with the local region:
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No Inter-Circle Transfers: CBOS are not eligible for inter-circle transfers, postings to the Corporate Centre, or foreign assignments until they either complete 12 years of service or are promoted to the Senior Management Grade Scale-IV (SMGS-IV), whichever is earlier.
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Local Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in the local language of the circle they are applying to, ensuring effective communication and service delivery.
c. Comprehensive Pay Scale and Allowances
Pay Scale:
The revised pay scale for SBI CBOS is as follows: ₹48,480 – 2,000/7 – 62,480 – 2,340/2 – 67,160 – 2,680/7 – 85,920
This structure includes:
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Basic Pay: ₹48,480
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Annual Increments: ₹2,000 for the first 7 years, followed by higher increments in subsequent years.
Candidates with prior experience of 2 years or more in the officer cadre in Scheduled Commercial Banks or Regional Rural Banks are eligible for advance increments.
Allowances and Benefits:
SBI CBOS are entitled to a range of allowances and benefits, including:
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Dearness Allowance (DA): Approximately 46.9% of the basic pay.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Ranges between 7% to 9% of the basic pay, depending on the place of posting.
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City Compensatory Allowance (CCA): Between 3% to 4% of the basic pay, based on the city classification.
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Medical Benefits: 100% coverage for employees and 75% for eligible family members
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Leave Fare Concession (LFC): Entitlement to travel concessions for self and family.
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Pension Scheme: Participation in the New Pension Scheme (NPS).
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Concessional Loans: Eligibility for housing, car, and personal loans at concessional interest rates.
In-Hand Salary:
Considering the basic pay and allowances, the in-hand salary for an SBI CBO ranges between ₹70,000 to ₹72,000 per month, depending on the location and other factors.
Conclusion
The SBI CBO Exam 2025 offers an excellent opportunity for experienced banking professionals to join one of India’s most prestigious public sector banks. With 2964 vacancies across various circles, a well-structured selection process, and attractive career progression, the role of a Circle Based Officer ensures long-term stability, professional growth, and financial rewards.
Candidates are encouraged to prepare thoroughly, especially for the objective and descriptive tests, and regularly check the official SBI website for updates. With the tentative exam date set for July 2025, now is the right time to begin focused preparation and secure a future with the State Bank of India.
